brittle Definition
- 1hard but liable to break or shatter easily
- 2having a sharp, clear, and often metallic sound
Using brittle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "brittle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The brittle glass shattered into a million pieces.
Example
The branches were brittle after the long winter.
Example
The old book's pages were yellowed and brittle.
brittle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with brittle
brittle smile
a forced or insincere smile that is easily broken
Example
She gave him a brittle smile before turning away.
Example
He was diagnosed with brittle bone disease at a young age.
brittle star
a type of marine invertebrate with long, slender arms that break off easily as a defense mechanism
Example
The brittle star is able to regenerate its arms if they are broken off.
Summary: brittle in Brief
The term 'brittle' [ˈbrɪt(ə)l] describes something that is hard but easily breakable, such as glass or branches. It can also refer to a sharp, clear, and often metallic sound. Examples include 'The brittle glass shattered into a million pieces.' and 'The old book's pages were yellowed and brittle.' 'Brittle' extends into phrases like 'brittle smile,' denoting a forced or insincere smile that is easily broken, and 'brittle bone disease,' a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily.
